Moving to Panama and driving from NJ.

Hi, we just did the trip from Florida 2 months ago with our 6 cats in a 2020 Toyota 4runner 4x4 was a long ride believe me! I won't do this again! never! was a mission impossible even my wife is Spanish  was not easy! we did not pay nothing in taxes or duty for each country but every countries is different trying to collect money from us for fake covid test even if you show proof of vaccine and car insurance, the only country you have to buy car insurance is Mexico and Panama because you will be driving in Panama with your car. Beware Nicaragua was the worst country they are thief! don't buy covid at $200 saying you need this to enter Costa Rica it's a scam to suck you money! just continuous to drive to the Costa Rica border and they will test you for Free! at no cost! anyway if you have questions or concern feel free to ask me!

Rich.

How long did it take you to get through the borders?

little bit more than a week, the problem is we lost too much time 1/2 day for each borders.

Hi,
I have just read your post. I wonder if you are on your way to Panama from NJ or decided not to drive.

For the couple with the Spanish speaking wife that did drive I assume if we have a truck and considering to move our belonging and my partner speaks Spanish, you would not recommend it. The thing is that any Sea Freight carrier charges a lot to move any size container. I am from FL. The quotes I got range from $5000 to $6500 USD. And that does not include to load and unload the container as we will do so ourselves and make sure nothing get broken.
I wonder did any of the country custom/border empty your vehicle and went through all of your suitcases/luggage/boxes?
If you do not recommend it to drive all the way to Panama, would you recommend it to Mexico? We are considering either Mexico or Panama and have been looking at properties in Boquete, Panama area and Zihuatanejo and Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. There are pros and cons in both countries.

Thank you for your reply.